People and communities in and around London are being encouraged to choose co-operatives as a fair and ethical way to start and run businesses.
Evidence shows that co-operatives are more than twice as likely to survive the first five years of trading compared to other start-ups.*
Cooperatives are owned and controlled by their members and offer a way of doing business that is fairer and more democratic.
Through the Business Support for Co-ops programme, Co-operatives UK and The Co-operative Bank promote fair and ethical business by offering:
- Up to six days of tailored support from a collaboration expert
- Access to online resources
- Subsidized registration for new cooperative activities
Catherine Douglas, Chief People and Sustainability Officer at The Co-operative Bank said: “Our business has deep and historic roots in the co-operative movement.
“By supporting Co-operatives UK, we are committed to championing the future of co-operatives in the UK, particularly through funding awarded as part of the Business Support for Co-ops programme.
“We look forward to seeing the difference co-operatives can make to communities across London with support from the programme.”
Find out about cooperatives
People across London can find out about co-operatives at a free event at:
- Wednesday 28 February, 6-9pm, SET Social, Peckham. In partnership with Sister Midnight and The Community Shares Company
- Thursday 14 March, 6-8.30pm, SPACE4, Islington. In collaboration with Princip 6 LLP, workers.coop and SPACE4.
“Discover Co-ops” event is an informative and interactive opportunity to understand cooperatives and their benefits.
They will also describe the next steps for installing one and what support is offered.
London master cooperative
Many co-operatives are already having a positive impact on lives and communities across Wales:
Sister Midnight is a not-for-profit co-operative working to establish a community-owned music venue in South London. Co-founder Lenny Watson said: “We believe it can have a transformative impact, providing creative opportunities, increasing participation and access to live music and fostering a sense of belonging and pride for our community.”
Restore London helps communities develop their own clean energy cooperatives, which also offer social, economic and educational opportunities. Community Engagement Program Manager Éva Goudouneix said: “We are putting people at the heart of the energy system and empowering disadvantaged communities to benefit from a low carbon future.”
The exchange in Erith is a community-owned organization that transformed an old library into a valued meeting place and venue for community-led activities. Co-founder Sarah Batten said. “Before it opened, there was no secular place where people could meet. We provide workshop space, people from the community come in, learn new skills, make things and we sell them.”
Why cooperatives are important
More than 7,500 independent co-operatives operate across the UK.*
From football clubs to financial services, co-operatives operate across all sectors and contribute over £40 billion to the economy each year.
They play an important role in creating and maintaining prosperity locally while providing fairer conditions and opportunities for all involved, as well as empowering people in their working lives.
Discover co-ops
Do you want to start a fair and ethical business in London? FREE Access:
- Business Support**
- Events and webinars
- Resources
And much more… Visit www.se.coop/discover to find out more and get started.
* Data taken from the ‘Co-operative and Mutual Economy 2023’ report published by Co-operatives UK.
** Subject to a small commitment fee. The fee has proven to be the best method to ensure that aid is allocated to projects committed to participating in the programme. The money generated from fees is reinvested in future support services.
